14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Confusion, Doom And A Slow Loss Of Control..., February 4, 2001
This review is from: Neon Genesis Evangelion, Collection 0:4 (Episodes 12-14) (DVD)
The fourth disc of Neon Genesis Evangelion marks a turning point in the series, although it may be one that's not immediately noticeable. From here on out the characters begin to lose control of their lives, surroundings and the world as the series speeds up to its conclusion in disc eight.
If disc number three marked the calm before the storm, disc four is the light, overcast sprinkle that hints at the coming hurricane. The first episode on the disc is much like those seen previously, but it's obvious that the characters' hopes of a proactive campaign against the Angels are slowly turning more defensive and desperate. The second episode highlights that even more as we see very little of Shinji, Asuka and Rei, but instead focus on a completely different Angel attack that leaves NERV only moments away from destruction.
The third episode (number 14 of 26), though, marks the real break with the first half of the series. The minimalist style of flahsbacks, on-screen text and slow addition (and subtraction) of questions about the series is a style that the director, Hideaki Anno, will use more and more frequently as the series progresses. While this episode may seem to be the typical 'midpoint-of-the-series' recap that so many other anime series have, it also marks a serious shift in focus, style and priority in the series (not to mention an increasingly dwindling budget on the part of the production studio).
Nonetheless, this disc is every bit as good as the three preceeding it, if not better. As the direction and tone of the series continue their curve into the frantic, the series truly begins to separate itself from virtually any other anime series ever made.
Technically, this disc is as minimal as its predecessors. The video and audio, though, remain first-rate. As with the other discs, I would eventually love to see a version with more extras and episodes, but for now I am content to simply own it on DVD.
As with disc three, I do not recommend starting with this disc, but if you for some reason felt the need to skip the first half of the series, then definitely get this DVD. "Evangelion" continues to improve on itself throughout the course of the series and this volume is no exception. With the sole caveat that there are no special extras save a minimal character biography section, I wholheartedly recommend this DVD of "Evangelion" just as much as the previous ones.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
W...O...W, October 12, 2001
This review is from: Neon Genesis Evangelion, Collection 0:4 (Episodes 12-14) (DVD)
There is nothing else I can say. I've almost run out of things to say about this series, and this is only the 4th item of it I've reviewed. The series' power is beyond what any other anime series I've encountered has. Series like Gundam Wing and Robotech are good, but they don't grab you by the mind and affect your thoughts.
The DVD quality is just a great as others. As I always say, BUY IT!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A darker volume, January 28, 2001
This review is from: Neon Genesis Evangelion, Collection 0:4 (Episodes 12-14) (DVD)
At this point, Evangelion really starts to get going. First, a little bit of Misato's past is explained as well as some more fan service for her. The second episode has the three pilots testing in their EVAs with no clothes. But that only part B. Part A of the story is the Angel which is a virus threatening to take over the MAGI system. This episode also gives fan service to Ritsuko and her past as well. The last episode has Shinji and Rei testing in opposite EVAs, but to know prevail. The majority of the episode is mostly spent on recapping all that has happend thus far. Overall, these episodes will leave many wanting more and more. But I guess thats what makes Evangelion so great. It gives you a small taste and keeps you coming back for more. And if you think there isn't any reason to buy the DVD if you have VHS, your wrong. There is still the nicely dubbed versions of Spanish and French dialoge. The DVD will definetely contain Bios on Angel #10 and #11. This is also the turning point in Evangelion where everything starts getting shown. So if you are a new comer to EVA, you must see this volume. And how about ADV speed up they're releasing on this. Come on, the Evangelion movie comes out this summer. Lets hustle.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
